October 27, 2011

Tooth Decay: Will I need a dental crown?

Technically, tooth decay is an infection, and a commonly treated dental disease. Similar to other diseases, early detection and proper treatment are best for your health. Routine dental examinations, proper homecare, and a healthy diet are essential to preventing the spread of decay.

Still, even with the proper precautions, tooth decay is just as prevalent in adulthood as it is in childhood. When detected early, your dentist can restore a diseased tooth by placing a simple filling. When the decay has spread towards the center of the tooth, a more substantial restoration, such as a dental crown, may be the best choice. In cases where the decay has reached the nerve, or pulp, a root canal may be indicated, followed by a protective dental crown.

Your dentist may recommend crowns in Fort Worth in cases where the integrity of the tooth structure has been compromised. Compared to a filling, which essentially “fills” a space within the tooth, a dental crown is used to cap and protect the entire tooth. By encircling the tooth, a crown can hold the tooth together, providing the strength necessary for biting and chewing.

Dental crowns can be created from a variety of materials, according to your specific needs. Crowns made of precious and semi-precious metals are generally used to restore the back teeth, due to their ability to withstand the tremendous forces required for chewing. Where esthetics is a factor, these crowns can be coated with porcelain, shaded to blend with the natural teeth. Beautiful all-ceramic crowns can be used to restore front teeth for the most natural-looking result.

Today’s dental philosophy is to save all natural teeth whenever possible. This means that tooth decay is no longer an acceptable reason to remove an otherwise healthy tooth. Advancements in dentistry have made it possible to restore most teeth to their natural beauty and function. Dental crowns are one such method to protect and preserve your teeth.

It is assuring to know that tooth decay no longer equals tooth loss. To find out how a dental crown can be used to save your tooth, call 817.918.4199 for your appointment today.

October 17, 2011

Will I be able to eat with my dentures?

Dentures Fort WorthLiving with missing teeth can have a dramatic impact on your health and your lifestyle. Replacing those teeth with attractive and comfortable dentures is definitely a high priority. Choosing dentures that are also functional and stable may very well be the top priority.

Denture patients must be able to chew and eat effectively in order to maintain a healthy, well-rounded diet. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, unlimited by texture, is critical to the overall health of all patients.

Choosing a dentist who is experienced with dentures in Fort Worth is the first step towards comfortable, functional new teeth. The road to your new dentures will begin with precise measurements and impressions of the mouth and jaw. Your dentist will also choose denture teeth that are properly shaped and proportioned to complement your age, gender, and physical stature. Even the shape and shade of the gum tissue can be customized for a comfortable look and feel.

Once your new denture has been designed, your dentist will carefully evaluate and adjust it to ensure an accurate fit. Although there will be a period of adjustment as you begin life with your new teeth, knowing what to expect can help to make the transition as smooth as possible.

In general, chewing firm foods can take some getting used to. Try chewing foods evenly on the left and right sides in order to balance the pressure on the denture as well as your gums. Also, be mindful of your food’s temperature. Very hot foods can be deceiving since the denture may cover quite a bit of the mouth. Many denture wearers notice that the tastes of certain foods may be altered or diminished. Complete upper dentures are often designed to cover the roof of the mouth, the location of many of the mouth’s taste receptors.

Adjusting to life with new dentures can be a comfortable and pleasurable process when working with a dentist that you can trust. It is quite common to have questions and concerns about what to expect along the way. Schedule your appointment with our dental team today to learn more about life with your new dentures.

October 7, 2011

Why should malocclusions be treated?

Malocclusion is the term used to describe the incorrect relationship between the upper and lower teeth. In other words, when the teeth do not fit together properly, there is often a negative effect on your overall dental health. Fortunately, correcting malocclusion through the use of orthodontics in Fort Worth can be an effective solution.

Crowded or crooked teeth are a common cause of malocclusion. Although many patients may feel uncomfortable with the cosmetic appearance of crooked teeth, there are also underlying health risks. Oral hygiene can be challenging when the teeth are crowded or tilted out of alignment. Some patients may find it difficult to brush or floss and other patients may notice that food tends to become trapped between the teeth. The inability to access these areas can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss, and tooth decay. In such cases, your orthodontist may recommend braces as a corrective solution.

Patients who have been diagnosed with an overbite or an underbite may also want to consider an orthodontic solution. Where either the upper jaw or the lower jaw is positioned too far forward, chewing and speaking can be awkward. The muscles of the jaw joint are often subjected to unnatural stress, which can cause various disorders of the jaw joint.

Various degrees of malocclusion can also significantly influence the shape of the facial profile. Patients with an overbite may notice that the lower jaw and chin appear too small. An underbite often influences the chin and lower jaw to stick out unnaturally. In severe cases of malocclusion, simply keeping the lips closed when the mouth is at rest can be challenging.

Traditionally, braces have been the treatment of choice in correcting a wide variety of malocclusions. Your orthodontist is your best resource for identifying and correcting a poorly aligned bite. Typically, identifying and correcting an incorrect bite as early as possible can improve your chances of a successful treatment.

To find out more about your options for treating malocclusion, call our office at 817.918.4199 to schedule your appointment right away.